154 Abode ofGod&
Strange custom—Rang-Bhang
Although marriages are universally arranged through the parents
of parties concerned, yet practically the universal custom of
the three partis, Darma, Byas and Chaudans, is to arrange marri-
age at the Rang-Bhang, which is the vilkge club; in every village,,
a house or some spot is set apart, which is called Rambangkuri,
or place of the Rambhang, at which men and women meet and
spend the night singing lewd songs, smoking and drinking.
Married and unmarried men go there, also single women and.
married women upto the time their first child is born. Girls
start going to Rambhang from early age and practically never
sleep at home. The confusing growth of illegitimate children1-
and frequent miscarriage is not quite uncommon.
One is always sure of getting hospitable welcome. When the
Bhotias are travelling or go to their winter quarters one of the
first considerations is to set apart some spot for the Rambhang.
If girls wish to visit the boys of a neighbouring village to meet
them, they wave long sheets, one girl holding one end and
another the another end. This waving singal can be seen from
miles and is really a pretty custom. It is also used in bidding
farewel to friends and lovers, and is frequently accompanied by
whistling two fingers being placed in the mouth as in the whist-
ling catcalls of downtown boys playing hide and seek. On
hearing the whistles the girls take a little fire and issue forth from
their homes and proceed with the boys to the chosen spot, and,
if they are old friends, they sit side by side round a burning fire,
otherwise all the boys sit on one side and the girls face them* Often
the girls dance, while boys join them, indulging in singing of
lewd songs, smoking and drinking until they are all weary, when
sleep brings quiet at the height of sensual ecstasy to the scene.
Happy go lucky
- The Bhotia is a Wioc &ua cautious trader and circumpect in all
his dealings. He never allows passion of the moment to over-
• ride the valour he attaches to a powerful alliance through matri-
mony with a rich neighbour family, and, therefore, in almost all
cases a young man takes his parents into confidence with regard
to the object of his affections. After due consideration the young
man, either personally or through his friends, offers the girl a sum